Paris: Classy Alex Smith rewarded with a trade

FILE - In this Oct. 18, 2012 file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco. A person with knowledge of the trade tells The Associated Press that the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to acquire Smith from San Francisco. The person spoke on condition of anonymity on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, because the trade does not become official until March 12, when the NFL's new business year be
— AP

FILE - In this Oct. 18, 2012 file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco. A person with knowledge of the trade tells The Associated Press that the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to acquire Smith from San Francisco. The person spoke on condition of anonymity on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, because the trade does not become official until March 12, when the NFL's new business year be
/ AP

A team-first guy apparently got a first-string gig on Wednesday, and that he has local roots, all the better.

The 49ers' Alex Smith is heading to Kansas City where it likes its meat, and quarterback, rare.

Rare is a starting NFL quarterback like Smith losing his job, and not his mind. One that doesn't rock a winning boat headed toward a title game hugging the Mississippi. One that didn't sing the Delta Blues during Super Bowl week, with a tale of professional injustices few could comprehend.

The 49ers reached Super Bowl XLVII as much because of what Smith didn't do with his mouth as Colin Kaepernick, his replacement, did with his legs.

Even the best of teams can't outrun turmoil, and if Smith wanted that toxin to invade the 49ers' locker room, he could have sprinkled it here, there and everywhere.

But Smith, the former Helix High star, didn't upset the chemistry that was bubbling at the beakers. He didn't gripe, whine, point fingers or thumb his nose at decision-makers after being shoved into the shadows.

Instead of shredding the 49ers by rallying teammates to his side, or against Kaepernick, Smith's behavior was as odd as his last name is common.

No diva act on the NFL Network. No tweets tweaking 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh. No Facebook offering to save face after his dream of leading the 49ers vanished when sidelined with a midseason concussion.

Smith was cleared to play and then asked to go all-for-one despite no longer being No. 1. Even with the benching arriving after Smith's play was at the top-shelf level, with the 49ers poised to take off.

But Smith got hurt, Kaepernick got hot and one doesn't need Paul Harvey to know the rest of the story.

Which made Smith as old-school as AM radio, for keeping the heartbreak mostly to himself instead of broadcasting his displeasure on every network, social or otherwise.

Smith patiently waited for an offseason that carried no promises. He had to be content standing tall with his integrity, instead of in the pocket of his Super Bowl dreams.

Smith talked of his disappointment, but without a scorched-earth strategy. He swallowed hard, bit his tongue and was the ultimate team player in what many consider the ultimate team sport.

It speaks to Smith's character that he didn't air his grievances at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, causing a media frenzy that would rival a gator seizing its prey.

In the run-up to the 49ers getting run down by the Ravens, story lines are precious. Few come juicier than an ex-starting quarterback wrestling with what was and what might have been.

“I'm not going to lie about any of that,'' Smith said at Media Day. “Tough at times, for sure, tough to accept, tough to watch. But we're in the Super Bowl.''

Better yet, Smith is back in business with the Chiefs.

The speculated trade of draft picks for Smith makes the Chiefs better. Although after their 2-14 car wreck, that's not unimaginable.

But are San Diego football fans torn seeing one of theirs go to an AFC West rival? Will Smith become a hated Chief along the lines of – and there was a time – Marty Schottenheimer?

Probably not, especially if meeting Smith, or his father, Doug, the former Helix High principal. They hail from East County, but their spot-on manners will be familiar to those in the Midwest.

The Chiefs and Smith are a good match -- if nothing else, it proves nice guys finish last. Although Smith didn't get them to the basement; he needs to find the way up.

Considering the NFL mountains he ascended and descended last season, Smith might be the guy.

If not, the history class on Smith predicts he'll handle it the right way.